Formulation of pochonia chlamydosporia for plant and nematode management

Soil microorganisms play a key role in plant nutrition and health, interacting with soil pests with beneficial, antagonistic effects. The nematode parasitic and root endophytic fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia has been extensively studied in the last years for exploitation, due to its multiple behaviours in soil and the rhizosphere. The fungus has a complex biology and can act as a biological control agent of phytonematodes, as a plant growth promoter or as a soil saprotroph. In this review we consider several aspects concerning its production and application as a nematode and plant management tool, including biodiversity and trophic specialisation. Formulations of P. chlamydosporia have already reached the industrial stage. Commercial products are available for biological control of root-knot or cyst nematodes or plant growth promotion in intensive to peri-urban cropping systems. Aspects related to the fungus biology, production substrates, industrial scale-up and conservation methods are examined. Finally, potential in nematode management is discussed.